The father of the bride speech is one of the most important speeches at a wedding reception. You might even be asked to give a speech at the engagement party or rehearsal dinner. Although the best man, maid of honor, and other members of the wedding party may also give speeches, yours will be one of the most highly anticipated.
You’ll want your speech to strike the perfect tone for the big day. Whether you decide to talk about your daughter’s childhood, how proud you are of the happy couple today, or anything in between, an outline will help make sure your speech is just right. A good outline organizes your speech for you in a step-by-step guide. You’ll get an idea of where you might want to put stories or quotes, and you can easily move things around before drafting the final version.
Once you have the perfect outline in front of you, take some notes. Jot down the stories, jokes, or quotes you might want to include. It’s a good idea to run them by the bridesmaids or other members of the wedding party if you’re not sure what is best to include. Your speech will start to take shape in no time.
The best wedding speeches are those that were outlined ahead of time. Create yours with one of the speech outline examples below, and it will become a memorable part of the wedding.
Father of the Bride Speech Examples
Traditional Father of the Bride Speeches
This father of the bride speech outline has plenty of room for compliments, advice, and family memories. It also has reminders to mention your affection for the groom and to end with words of wisdom about love or marriage.
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For a nice, traditional speech that falls between 5 and 7 minutes long, follow this outline. You’ll start with a story, end with how proud of her you are, and add your favorite memories with your daughter in the middle.
This outline reminds you to start by introducing yourself and welcoming guests to the celebration. Next, tell some of your favorite memories with the bride, and don’t forget to show the groom some love too. Wrap it all up with a bit of wisdom, and you’ll have a winning, classic speech.
Short Father of the Bride Speeches
There are many weddings where keeping your speech short and simple is the way to go. Use this easy outline to make sure you don’t miss anything important. It covers everything you need in a step-by-step format, from the intro to the parting wisdom and toast.
This outline shows that you don’t need to be on the mic for more than a few minutes to say everything you need. This short, sweet speech template begins with a brief memory of the bride as a child. From there, it transitions into thank-yous and kind words and ends with a quick but heartfelt toast.
Simple Father of the Bride Speeches
The best speeches don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Just follow this outline’s easy four-step format, which you can easily make your own by telling the audience about your unique experiences with your daughter and her new husband.
Try this simple four-part template when writing your father of the bride speech for the wedding day. Don’t forget to add personal touches such as creative storytelling, genuine emotion, and advice from your own life experiences.
With a five-step outline and plenty of advice for how to approach each section, this wedding toast format won’t let you down. The outline has reminders to give credit to those who made the wedding possible, to speak highly of the groom, and to show pride in your daughter on her big day.
Detailed Father of the Bride Speeches
Sometimes, the speech you want to give might be a little more detailed. This template encourages you to write a thoughtful and unique speech for your daughter’s wedding. Relive touching memories, mention any family members who couldn’t be there, and add a quote if you have the perfect one for the occasion.
If you feel you have a lot to say, try this speech outline, which suggests a length of about 7 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to add everything you want to include, such as humor, thank yous, and a shout out to the bride’s mother.
Father of the Groom Speech
The groom’s father also may be asked to give a speech. This simple outline suggests highlighting the bride and groom as individuals before talking about them as a couple. Then end on a classy note with thank-yous and a quote or word of advice.
Father Of The Bride Speech Template
Ready to Write?
If you’re asked to give a father of the bride speech, it’s important to start drafting the speech well before the big day.
After some brainstorming, it will become more clear which anecdotes or bits of advice are perfect for your speech. Add your content at the appropriate places in the outline you chose. Don’t forget to write down how you will transition between each part of the speech, too.
And remember, you don’t have to read your speech strictly word-for-word at the wedding. A few mistakes or some appropriate improvising can show your most heartfelt emotions!
There’s no need to stress about the speechwriting process. With these outlines in hand, you’re now ready to start creating a lovely, memorable father of the bride speech.
WELCOME AND WISHES
1. Start by telling briefly who you are, not everybody knows that; collegues or friends of the bridal couple or the groom’s family members. Tell how long you know them – there will be something that can serve as icebreaker.
2. Welcome and thank the guests for coming and sharing this day if you are the host and there is no Master of Ceremonies. Especially guests who have come a long distance.
3. Mention humorous incidents this very day so far, and highlight beautiful moments.
4. Wish all a happy day or night.
SPEECH TOPICS ABOUT THE BRIDE
5. Compliment the bride: e.g. say that she is a beautiful, elegant or lovely woman.
6. Tell the guests about your daughter, emphasize very special relationship the two of you have. Talk about your love and pride. Say how much you care about her. Avoid cliches. Talk affectionately. Tease a bit, make funny remarks of her character, job, study, hobbies, passions, skills or achievements. Be a gentleman.
7. Tell some little silly stories about the bride.
8. Reflect on her prewedding years.
9. Tell about how you and your partner saw her growing up.
10. Tell about your hopes for her. Tell how she has surpassed some expectations of you and your partner.
Be gentle when you come up with the ups and especially the downs! E.g. don’t mention previous boyfriends …
11. Conclude this part of your father of the bride speech with telling how proud you are.
YOUR NEW SON IN LAW
12. Tell funny stories about your daughter and the groom.
13. Tell how the groom was introduced for the first time to you. That always work in a father of the bride speech.
14. Tell what your first impressions were. E.g. his looks.
15. Tell about shared interests, your relationship, surprises.
16. Tell what you’ve learned from him.
17. Tell how you see he makes your daughter happy.
18. Tell about his character, job, study, hobbies, passions, skills, achievements.
19. Conclude this chapter of your father of the bride speech with welcoming the groom into your family. Tell that you are delighted he has become a part of your family.
20. Welcome the joining together and the family of your new son in law.
21. Tell you’re looking forward to get to know each other better. Mention something both families have in common.
THANK YOU’S
22. Thank everyone who made this party success, for their generous help.
23. Thank the mother of the newly spouse and the mother of the groom for their efforts in organizing all things.
24. Mention the maids of honor/bridesmaids, say how beautiful they look and thank them for supporting your daughter.
25. Thank the clergyman, clergywoman or minister.
26. Thank anyone (family members and friends) who have helped with the party and reception.
27. Thank the florists by saying everything in the church, the town hall and in this room look wonderful.
28. Thank everybody who made financial contributions. Bring this part of your father of the bride speech with humorous remarks.
29. If your partner has passed away, then speak a few words in her memory. Tell she should say the same warm things. Welcome to the bride and groom on her behalf too. Look forward, this is a happy day!
END
30. End with a loving toast to their health, success and happiness.
E.g. Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding and raise your glasses, please join me in the traditional toast, I give you… the bride and groom!